MARKETPLACE

New market opens up to a world of flavors

July 16, 2008|By Susan Taylor, SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Valli Produce's fourth store, which recently opened in Glendale Heights, is -- with 65,000 square feet -- twice as big as its original store in Arlington Heights. The full-service supermarket contains everything you would expect to find in a traditional grocery and also what you might not: a wide selection of cooking ingredients and convenience products imported from Europe, India, the Middle East and Asia, with one or more aisles dedicated to each.

True to its name, produce plays a starring role here, with numerous varieties of apples and peaches sharing space with items from around the globe, including such unusual finds as litchi, fresh straw mushrooms, Manila mangos, fresh figs, Key limes and a large selection of fresh and dried chilies.

Look for the islands near the produce section where you'll find dry goods including cannellini beans and dried fruits (mangos, banana chips, kiwi); old-fashioned candy such as red and black licorice in a variety of shapes; and a great selection of European chocolate.

The bakery's offerings include Italian and Greek pastries and, said manager Frank Greco, one of the biggest draws: the fresh kolacky (Eastern European butter cookies with assorted fillings), which are baked on-site daily.

Twisted Sister Bakery is providing Old Town with its fix of sweets including the popular red velvet cupcake. Other favorites are cheesecake, tarts and oatmeal cookies with white chocolate and dried fruit. 1543 N. Wells St., 312-932-1128, twistedsisterbakery.com.

Julius Meinl, the Viennese coffeehouse import, has opened a second location in Chicago. It features coffees, teas and European-style pastries. 4363 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-868-1876 or meinl.com.

Cheese lovers, take note: The public will have a chance to buy specialty cheeses that were exhibited at the American Cheese Society's 25th Annual Conference and Cheese Competition being held this year in Chicago. The sale will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 in the parking lot of Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. For information, visit cheesesociety.org.